Apple to Revamp Siri with AI-Powered Web Search, May Use Google’s Gemini Model

Apple is reportedly preparing to launch a next-generation AI-powered web search tool for Siri, marking one of the most significant upgrades to its voice assistant in years. According to reports, the project — internally called World Knowledge Answers — aims to make Siri far more conversational and capable of handling complex queries, similar to ChatGPT or Perplexity AI.

Expected to roll out in March 2026 with the iOS 26.4 update, this new system could transform the way Siri interacts with users, bringing richer and more accurate answers that go beyond the assistant’s current limited responses.

Apple’s World Knowledge Answers: A New Chapter for Siri

Bloomberg reports that Apple is working on a major revamp of Siri by integrating an AI-driven web search tool. “Apple is reportedly calling this system World Knowledge Answers, and plans to let Google and Anthropic develop specific parts of the system.”

The World Knowledge System will eventually extend to Safari and Spotlight, enabling Apple users to access conversational and AI-powered search experiences across the ecosystem. Unlike the current Siri or Spotlight, which can answer simple fact-based questions, the upcoming system is designed to handle complex queries, multi-layered topics, and summarised answers.

How the AI System Will Work

According to the report, Apple’s AI-powered Siri upgrade will feature three main components:

• Planner – Processes the user’s query, analyses it, and determines when to trigger a web search.

• AI-Powered Search Tool – Scans the web for relevant data, images, and videos.

• Summariser – Converts raw web data into a conversational, easy-to-digest response.

The upgraded Siri will reportedly include text, photos, videos, and local points of interest, while also summarising lengthy topics into short, structured answers.

Apple’s Collaboration with Google and Anthropic

The report highlights that while the core search system will run on Apple’s Foundation Models, the company is seeking support from Google and Anthropic for advanced AI modules.

“While the core web search system is said to run on Apple's Foundation Models, the tech giant is reportedly considering using a Google-developed AI model to power the summariser part of the system.”

As per the agreement, Apple will test a custom Gemini model on its Private Cloud Compute servers. Google may also provide an AI model for the planner function, though Anthropic remains a contender.

Interestingly, Anthropic was once in the lead for the deal but reportedly demanded over $1.5 billion (roughly Rs. 13,200 crore) per year, which prompted Apple to reconsider.

Apple Steps Back from Acquiring Perplexity

Earlier reports suggested Apple had considered acquiring Perplexity AI, known for its answer engine technology. However, the company has now reportedly abandoned those acquisition plans. Instead, Apple intends to develop its own competitive solution — directly challenging Perplexity, ChatGPT, and other AI-powered search platforms.

What This Means for Siri and the AI Market

This development signals Apple’s determination to catch up in the AI assistant race, where rivals like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa already integrate AI-driven conversational search. With Apple leveraging both in-house Foundation Models and Google’s Gemini AI, Siri could become significantly more intelligent, responsive, and user-friendly.

Conclusion

Apple’s reported plan to launch World Knowledge Answers represents a transformative step for Siri, which has long lagged behind competitors in conversational intelligence.

By partnering with Google and possibly Anthropic, while simultaneously running core functions on its Foundation Models, Apple is adopting a hybrid approach that ensures scalability and reliability.

If successful, this upgrade could reshape how users interact with Siri, making it more of an AI-powered knowledge assistant than a simple voice tool.

The move also reflects Apple’s broader ambition to compete head-on with emerging players like Perplexity and established ones like ChatGPT. As the system is expected to debut with iOS 26.4 in March 2026, all eyes will be on how Apple positions Siri in the rapidly evolving AI search ecosystem.